Chervil (Anthriscus Cerefolium)

Chervil (botanical name Anthriscus cerefolium) is an elegant annual herb that grows up to a height of anything between 30 cm and 45 cm (about 12 inches and 18 inches). Chervil has been known for centuries as a culinary spice. This medicinal herb is a delicate annual herb which belongs to the same family as parsley, chives, tarragon and others. Chervil originates from the Middle East and was brought to Europe in the times of the Roman Empire. Chervil is a very popular herb with various culinary and medicinal uses. It also has some health benefits to offer.

Chervil (Anthriscus Cerefolium) Picture

When grown in appropriate conditions, chervil plants may possibly become expansive and grow to twice their normal height. The plant produces delicately desiccated leaves that have a resemblance to parsley, but in comparison, they have a pale green color and are more feathery. The leaves of chervil are wavy as well as even in forms. The foliage of chervil possesses an essence and aroma somewhat akin to anise, having a slight suggestion of pepper.

This herb has slender, straight stems, but shallow roots. Chervil bears diminutive white flowers that appear in clusters, something akin to Queen Anne's lace. The flowers of this herb bloom during the early part of summer. Chervil grows excellently in pots/ containers and may be grown as indoor plant for use during the winter months.

Health benefits of chervil embrace its antiseptic, digestive, diuretic, tonic, cleansing, expectorant, and many other therapeutic properties of this medicinal herb. It is known for its very powerful warming effects, and it is possible to boost those by combining this medicinal herb with such herbal remedies as anise and parsley. Herbal infusions are also used for skin care. The most common forms of using this herbal remedy is chervil tea, chervil poultice, and chervil juice.

Nutrition Of Chervil (Anthriscus Cerefolium) For Health

Chervil is a rich source of certain minerals including potassium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. It is also a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D. It is low in essential oil content, which is 0.3%, but this may be extracted from its seeds. Some of the prime chemical constituents of chervil are methylchavicol (or estragole) and hendecane (or undecane). The herb may be used in various culinary preparations due to its aroma and flavor, in limited amounts though. Pregnant women and lactating mothers must refrain from the intake of chervil.

Benefits Of Chervil (Anthriscus Cerefolium) For Health

The herb has strong anti inflammatory properties that make it a favorite in home remedies. Chervil has many health and medicinal benefits. While chervil was never employed extensively in the form of a remedial herb, it was definitely employed in folk herbal medicine in the form of a common stimulant or tonic and an expectorant. In addition, this herb was also used to cure eczema, along with insect bites, cuts, burns, bruises and so on, lower blood pressure and alleviate stomach disorders.

Chervil (Anthriscus Cerefolium) Picture

Occasionally, chervil is used in the form of a spring tonic to purify the kidneys and the liver. In addition, chervil is an excellent remedy for easing digestive problems and is known to be valuable in the treatment of poor memory as well as mental depression.

The plant is harvested immediately prior to its blossoming and the fresh plants are said to possess diuretic, stimulant and digestive properties. In addition, the fresh chervil plants may also be employed in the form of poultices. The juice extracted from the herb is used to treat arthritis, dropsy (edema) and even persistent skin problems. Chervil is very effective against common cold and flu.

Chervil stimulates the various biological systems of the body, thereby maintaining the overall physiology of the body. In this sense, chervil is like a tonic for the body. It also tones the epithelial lining of the body, thereby soothing all the internal organs.

Expectorant properties of this herb make chervil tea a great remedy for various respiratory system infections. Many specialists recommend such natural remedy as chervil tea to alleviate anxiety, nervous tension and other effects of stresses.

Chervil tea can be used as a great and refreshing mouth wash and eye wash. Chervil tea is a known remedy to prevent kidney stone formation.

Being a detoxifying agent, chervil helps reduce the appearance of early signs of ageing like dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. It also helps purify blood and makes your skin look smoother and younger.

Chervil also helps prevent water retention during the menstrual phase, thus preventing bloating and other related symptoms. Chervil may be used in the treatment of herpes and amenorrhea.

The leaves of chervil are crushed and employed in the form of a poultice to speed up healing of wounds that generally take a long time to cure, while a warm poultice prepared from the crushed leaves of the herb is applied to ease excruciating joints. On the other hand, an infusion prepared from the fresh chervil leaves is employed in the form of eyewash to cure tender or inflamed eyes.

Chervil (Anthriscus Cerefolium) Picture

Nutritional Benefits of Chervil Tea

It can soothe irritated eyes.

Drinking it fresh regulates the blood and removes the impurities.

Strong chervil tea made from fresh or dried leaves can ease the discomfort of insect bites and cuts.

Applying the tea as part of a face mask can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve elasticity of the skin. Cotton balls soaked in chervil tea can also reduce redness and swollen eyes. All you need to do is, put these tea-soaked cotton balls over your eyes for ten minutes.

To relieve constipation, steep chervil leaves in hot water and drink the tea to ease the discomfort.

The tea also helps reduce hypertension and blood pressure or related issues.

Including chervil tea and the herb chervil as a part of your everyday diet can lead to a longer life.

A tonic of watercress, dandelion and chervil is often drunk to face a winter without falling ill.

Chervil (Anthriscus Cerefolium) Side effects and cautions

Chervil is safe in food amounts, but there isn't enough information to know if chervil is safe in medicinal amounts, which are typically higher.

It’s unsafe to use chervil in medicinal amounts if you are pregnant. It contains chemicals that might cause a change (mutation) in the genes of the developing fetus.

It is important to remember that despite its many benefits, you need to consult a doctor before taking it frequently.